Disturbance could grow into a tropical depression today

OUTLOOK: Despite limited thunderstorm activity, the tropical wave in the Central Atlantic remains well organized and could grow into a tropical depression or storm later Wednesday or on Thursday.

For now, models indicate the system will curve north before reaching the U.S. coastline. However, it's too early to put full faith in that forecast.

WHAT FLORIDA CAN EXPECT: It's too early to say.

PARTICULARS: As of 2 a.m.., the National Hurricane Center gave the system a 70 percent chance of strengthening into a depression or storm over the next two days - and a 70 percent chance over the next five days.

The system, more than 2,000 miles southeast of Miami, or about 1,300 miles east of the southern Windward Islands, could pose a threat to the Lesser Antilles by Friday or Saturday.

It also could be hampered by dry air, Saharan dust and wind shear along its path, according to Jeff Masters, chief meteorologist of Weather Underground.